For many people journaling is the equivalent of keeping a diary. The introspection can be very helpful. Looking at entries months or years later may or may not be helpful. Much like the notes from a lecture or a course after the exam, most people never look at the entries again-especially if they are hard to read handwritten notes.

The solution is to focus on just making just two types of journal entries. The first is noting what you learned today. The question prods you to look for what lessons might be there. Try to find one each day but don't force it. If you miss a day, don't quit, just log something the next day.

Learning something new each day is a great way to stay young. Learning a lesson every day is even better. If you learn more than 300 lessons a year, you are destined to be a very wise person.

Will they all be keepers? If only ten percent seem profound next year, you still have about three dozen a year.

The second entry is personal stories. Stories are hypnotic. Children and adults who would be defensive about being given advice perk up to hear a good story. Stories are the royal path to being an influential parent, grandparent, speaker, or communicator. An insight or interesting event is usually but a fleeting idea unless it is captured on paper. What could be a simpler way to stay young, positive, and see the big picture than journaling a lesson or story a day. It is one of the best antidotes to aging.                      

The solution is to focus on just making just two types of journal entries. The first is noting what you learned today. The question prods you to look for what lessons might be there. Try to find one each day but don't force it. If you miss a day, don't quit, just log something the next day.

Learning something new each day is a great way to stay young. Learning a lesson every day is even better. If you learn more than 300 lessons a year, you are destined to be a very wise person.

Will they all be keepers? If only ten percent seem profound next year, you still have about three dozen a year.

The second entry is personal stories. Stories are hypnotic. Children and adults who would be defensive about being given advice perk up to hear a good story. Stories are the royal path to being an influential parent, grandparent, speaker, or communicator. An insight or interesting event is usually but a fleeting idea unless it is captured on paper. What could be a simpler way to stay young, positive, and see the big picture than journaling a lesson or story a day. It is one of the best antidotes to aging.

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Anti-aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey is President of the Ageless Lifestyles Institute and author of Defy Aging. His new book, 52 baby steps to Grow Young, gives two-page-a-week practical steps for developing a youthful mindset at every age. Further information is at www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com